Betaine product, method for its manufacture, and its use

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a solid betaine product having good treatment properties. The invention also relates to a method for the manufacture of the betaine product and its use, as well as a feed containing said betaine product and other feed components. Said solid betaine product contains a fluidity improver and/or anti-agglomeration agent, and a hydrophobic, moisture-proof layer is arranged on the surface of the particles.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to a solid betaine product having goodtreatment properties. The invention also relates to a method for themanufacture of the betaine product, and its use, as well as an animalfeed containing said betaine product and other feed components.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Betaines are fully N-methylated amino acids. Betaines are naturalproducts that have an important function in both plant and animalmetabolism. One of the most common betaines is a glycine derivative inwhich three methyl groups are bonded to the nitrogen atom of the glycinemolecule. This betaine compound is usually called betaine,glycinebetaine or trimethylglycine, and it has the following structuralformula:

[0003] Other betaines include, for example, alaninebetaine andprolinebetaine, which has been reported, among other things, to preventosteomalacia in chickens. A detailed description of betaines is given byR. G. Wyn Jones and R. Storey in The Physiology and Drought Resistancein Plants, ed. L. G. Paleg and D. Aspinall, Academic Press, Sydney,Australia, 1981.

[0004] Betaine thus has a bipolar structure and it contains severalchemically reactive methyl groups, which it can donate inenzyme-catalysed reactions. Most organisms are able to synthesize smallquantities of betaine e.g. for the methyl function, but they are notable to react to stress by substantially increasing the production andstorage of betaine.

[0005] Betaine is a highly hygroscopic substance, and therefore itstreatment and use as such or as part of an end product causes problemsin humid conditions, since it turns viscous, lumpy and poorly flowable.In order to treat and use betaine without problems, it is necessary toprotect it against humidity. Hydrophilic fluidityimprovers/anti-agglomeration agents (which absorb free water) have beenused previously. However, hydrophilic substances of this kind are notable to protect betaine in humid conditions, even though they improvethe fluidity of betaine in good, dry conditions.

[0006] Betaine is used, among other things, as a feed additive and as acrop improver of plants under stress conditions, as well as in cosmetic,pharmaceutical and food industries.

[0007] Betaine can be obtained, for example, from sugar beet bychromatographic methods. Betaine is commercially available e.g. underthe registered trademark BETAFIN®, Cultor Oy, Finnsugar Bioproducts.BETAFIN® is solid betaine (betaineanhydride or betainemonohydrate)produced by Finnsugar Bioproducts.

[0008] EP 0 573 876 discloses a method for the manufacture of a productcontaining cholinechloride by mixing cholinechloride solution in finedrops with a pulverized, hydrophobic substance, and by drying themixture with a fluidized bed drier. Silica made hydrophobic bysilanization or a metallic salt of a fatty acid can be used as thehydrophobic substance.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Now it has been found that by means of hydrophobic substances amoisture-proof layer can be arranged on the surface of betaineparticles. Hence fluidity and anti-agglomeration of a betaine product,its use as such or as a part of the end-product, can substantially beimproved also in humid conditions. Hydrophobic substance is preferablyadded to a betaine product by utilizing an efficient blender.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The invention relates to a solid betaine product which contains afluidity improver and/or anti-agglomeration agent. In accordance withthe invention, a hydrophobic, moisture-proof layer is arranged on thesurface of particles.

[0011] The solid betaine product refers to a crystalline or groundproduct. The particle size of the crystalline product is 0.05 to 2.0 mm,preferably on the average about 0.3 to 0.6 mm. Preferably, thecrystalline product does not contain practically any dustlike substance,i.e. particles with the diameter of less than about 0.01 mm. Theparticle size of the ground product is 1 to 100 μm.

[0012] The hydrophobic layer on the surface of the particles may consistof a metallic salt of a fatty acid, such as calcium or magnesiumstearate, or hydrophobic silica. Additionally, a substance whichenhances said hydrophobic substance to adhere to or spread onto thesurface of betaine particles may be present on the surface of thecrystals.

[0013] Suitable substances that enhance the adhesion or spreading of thehydrophobic substance comprise fats, oils, fat-like substances, such aslecithins and waxes, and water-insoluble substances, such as cellulosederivatives and silicone derivatives.

[0014] In accordance with the invention, a new betaine product can beproduced, for example, by mixing the blend of betaine and a hydrophobic,moisture-proof substance.

[0015] In the method of the invention, various mixers can be used. Whenonly powdery hydrophobic substance is used, suitable mixers comprisevarious batch mixers or continuous mixers, such as drum mixers orhelical/screw mixers. Mixing time depends on the power of the mixer, andalso on the batch size. The object is that the hydrophobic substancemixes as evenly as possible with the betaine. In the ideal case, thepowder forms a monomolecular layer on the surface of the product.Preferably, the smallest betaine crystals are screened out before atreatment with the hydrophobic substance.

[0016] When a binding agent is added to the powdery hydrophobicsubstance, spray granulators or fluidized bed drying/coating devices canbe used in the method of the invention, in addition to various batchmixers and continuous mixers.

[0017] Various grinders, such as an air jet grinder or a turbo mill orsome other mill useful for grinding sugar crystals, can be used in themethod of the invention. The betaine is thus ground with the powderyhydrophobic substance, and the obtained powdery product flows freely andit will not agglomerate.

[0018] In accordance with one preferred method of the invention, melted,hot (e.g. about 40° C. higher than the melting point) fat is firstsprayed onto the surface of the betaine crystals. It is preferable touse a hydrogenated fat with a high melting point, whereby a product isobtained, which retains good fluidity (does not become viscous) even attropical temperatures. Other fats/oils can also be used (depending onthe use of the product). When using oils that are fluid at roomtemperature, no heating is needed. When using fats with a high meltingpoint, it is preferable to preheat the betaine crystals close to themelting point of the fat. This facilitates the forming of a layer aseven as possible. Thereafter the surface of the warm crystal coated withfat is ‘powdered’ with a hydrophobic substance. Managing the processingconditions is critical (temperatures) in order that even andcomprehensive protection is achieved, and the product does not stick tothe walls of the equipment or elsewhere, and the product remains single,flowable crystals (no agglomeration).

[0019] Instead of spraying the fat, another technique may also be used,in which the betaine particles and the solid fat flakes, et cetera, arefirst mixed together. Thereafter, the blend is heated to exceed themelting point of the fat while it is continuously being mixed.

[0020] The fat treatment may be carried out by using a mixer with thepossibility of adding liquid (spray nozzle systems) or a spraygranulator or devices of the type of fluidized bed drier/coater.

[0021] Useful hydrophobic substances include, for example, thefollowing:

[0022] Metallic salts of long-chain fatty acids:

[0023] Stearates:

[0024] metallic salts of stearic acid in powder form,

[0025] (melting point in excess of 150° C.)

[0026] e.g. Ca-stearate, Ceasit Leviss, manufactured by Bärlocher,Germany

[0027] Ca-stearate CPR-2, manufactured by Akcros Chemicals V.O.F.,Holland

[0028] Silica-based hydrophobic substances:

[0029] e.g. Sipernat D17, manufactured by Degussa Ltd., Germany AerosilR972, manufactured by Degussa Ltd., Germany (and other hydrophobicSipernat and Aerosil products)

[0030] Cellulose derivatives:

[0031] e.g. Ethocel, manufactured by Dow USA (in powder form)

[0032] Useful substances that enhance the adhesion or spreading of thehydrophobic substance include, for example, the following:

[0033] Fats:

[0034] Revel S (acetylized monoglyceride, hydrogenated soy oil); meltingpoint 63° C.; manufactured by Loders Croklaan, Holland

[0035] Revel C; melting point 58° C.,

[0036] Revel F; melting point 46° C.,

[0037] Revel AC; melting point 37° C.,

[0038] Dynasan P 60; manufactured by Huls AG, Germany

[0039] Oils:

[0040] Fish oils

[0041] Lecithins:

[0042] e.g. lecithins of Metarin product line; manufactured by LucasMayer, Germany

[0043] Silicone derivatives (spraying in solution):

[0044] e.g. Pharsil MK silicone emulsion; manufactured by: Wacker ChemieGmbH, Germany

[0045] Cellulose derivatives (spraying in solution):

[0046] e.g. Ethocel; manufactured by Dow USA

EXAMPLE 1

[0047] Betaine anhydride (Nutristim, manufactured by Cultor Oy; quantity50 kg, granule size 0.27 to 1.0 mm) was introduced into a drum mixer(Forberg F-60, manufactured by Fa. Halvor Forberg A/S, Norway) and 3 kgcalcium stearate (Ceasit Leviss, manufactured by Bärlocher, Germany,particle size 99%<71 μm) was added thereto. Mixing was carried out atroom temperature for about three minutes. The obtained product had goodfluidity, and it remained fluid for at least three hours at atemperature of 30° C., the relative air humidity being 95%.

EXAMPLE 2

[0048] Into a continuous screw mixer (length of the mixing worm 4 m,diameter 400 mm, two mixing points in the screw, manufactured bySiirtoruuvi Oy, Finland) were fed betaine anhydride (Nutristim,manufactured by Cultor Oy; granule size 0.27 to 1.0 mm) 5,000 kg/hourand 6% calcium stearate (Ceasite Leviss, manufactured by Bärlocher,Germany; particle size 99%<71 μm) through an additive dispenser(Accurate, manufactured by Accurate Dry Material Feeders Inc., USA).Mixing was carried out continuously in the mixing helix/screw.Temperature was 20° C. and duration of mixing in the mixing helix wastwo minutes. The obtained product had good fluidity and it remainedfluid at least for three hours at a temperature of 30° C., the relativeair humidity being 95%.

EXAMPLE 3

[0049] Betaineanhydride (Nutristim, manufactured by Cultor Oy; quantity47.5 kg, granule size 0.27 to 1.0 mm) was introduced into a drum mixer(Forberg F-60, manufactured by Fa. Halvor Forberg A/S, Norway) andpreheated to 55° C. Thereafter 2.5 kg hot (100° C.) fat (Revel-S,manufactured by Loders Croklaan, Holland) was added by spraying (nozzlesize 4004, pressure 3 bar) and simultaneously mixing (for 1.3 minutes).Finally, 1 kg calcium stearate (Ceasit Leviss, manufactured byBärlocher, Germany; particle size 99%<71 μm) was added, and the blendwas cooled to 30° C. and mixed for 3.7 minutes. The obtained product'ssolubility in water was poor and fluidity was good: it remained fluid atleast for three hours at a temperature of 30° C., the relative airhumidity being 95%.

EXAMPLE 4

[0050] The test was conducted in the same way as in Example 1, butinstead of calcium stearate, hydrophobic silica (Sipernat D 17,manufactured by Degussa, Germany; average granule size 10 μm) was used.The obtained product was very fluid, and it remained fluid at least forthree hours at a temperature of 30° C., the relative air humidity being95%.

EXAMPLE 5

[0051] The test was conducted in the same way as in Example 3, butinstead of calcium stearate, hydrophobic silica (Sipernat D 17,manufactured by Degussa, Germany; average granule size 10 μm). Theobtained product's solubility in water was poor and fluidity was good:it remained fluid at least for three hours at a temperature of 30° C.,the relative air humidity being 95%.

EXAMPLE 6

[0052] Betainemonohydrate (technical quality, manufactured by Cultor Oy;quantity 47.5 kg, granule size 0.25 to 1.25 mm) was introduced into adrum mixer (Forberg F-60, manufactured by Fa. Halvor Forberg A/S,Norway) and preheated to 55° C. Thereafter, 1.5 kg hot (100° C.) fat(Revel-S, manufactured by Loders Croklaan, Holland) was added byspraying (nozzle size 4004, pressure 3 bar) and simultaneously mixing(for 1.3 minutes). Finally, 1.5 kg calcium stearate (Ceasit Leviss,manufactured by Bärlocher, Germany; particle. size 99%<71 μm) was added,and the blend was cooled to 30° C. and mixed for 3.7 minutes. Theobtained product's solubility in water was poor and fluidity was good.

EXAMPLE 7

[0053] The test was conducted in the same way as in Example 6, butinstead of calcium stearate, hydrophobic silica (Sipernat D 17,manufactured by Degussa, Germany, average particle size 10 μm) was used.The obtained product had good fluidity and it remained fluid at leastfor three hours at a temperature of 30° C., the relative air humiditybeing 95%.

EXAMPLE 8

[0054] Betaineanhydride (Betafin BP, manufactured by Cultor Oy; particlesize 0.05 to 1.0 mm) was fed into a continuous air jet grinder (Pulva FPMicronization, manufactured by Oy Finnpulva Ab); simultaneously,hydrophobic silica (Aerosil R 972, manufactured by Degussa; averageparticle size 16 nm) was also fed into the grinder. The total quantityof betaineanhydride was 400 kg and that of silica 4 kg (1%). The averagegrinding fineness of the obtained product was less than 20 μm, theproduct was very fluid and it did not agglomerate.

1. A solid betaine product which contains a fluidity improver and/oranti-agglomeration agent, characterized in that a hydrophobic,moisture-proof layer is arranged on the surface of particles.
 2. Aproduct as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the layer consistsof a metallic salt of a fatty acid, such as calcium or magnesiumstearate.
 3. A product as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that thelayer consists of hydrophobic silica.
 4. A product as claimed in claim1, 2 or 3, characterized in that a substance which enhances thehydrophobic substance to adhere or to spread is additionally arranged onthe surface of the crystals.
 5. A product as claimed in claim 4,characterized in that the substance which enhances the hydrophobicsubstance to adhere or to spread is selected from the group of fat, oil,fat-like substances, such as lecithins and waxes, and water-insolublesubstances, such as cellulose derivatives and silicon derivatives.
 6. Amethod for the manufacture of a crystalline betaine product as claimedin claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the solid betaine and thehydrophobic substance are mixed together.
 7. A method as claimed inclaim 6, characterized in that the solid betaine is mixed with ametallic salt of a fatty acid, such as calcium or magnesium stearate. 8.A method as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that the solid betaineis mixed with hydrophobic silica.
 9. A method as claimed in claim 1, 2or 3, characterized in that the betaine is ground with the hydrophobicsubstance.
 10. A method for the manufacture of a crystalline betaineproduct as claimed in claim 4 or 5, characterized in that oil or meltedfat is first arranged on the surface of the betaine crystals, whereaftera hydrophobic substance is arranged on the surface.
 11. A method asclaimed in claim 10, characterized in that the melted fat is ahydrogenated fat with a high melting point, and the betaine crystals arepreheated close to the fat melting point.
 12. A method for themanufacture of a betaine product as claimed in claim 4 or 5,characterized in that, first, the betaine crystals and the solid fat aremixed together, whereafter the hydrophobic substance, such as a metallicsalt of a fatty acid or hydrophobic silica, is added, and the blend isheated to exceed the fat melting point while it is continuously beingmixed.
 13. Use of a product as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 as ananimal feed additive.
 14. Use of a product as claimed in any one ofclaims 1 to 5 in fertilizers.
 15. Use of a product as claimed in any oneof claims 1 to 5 in cosmetic skin care products or in toiletries. 16.Use of a product as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 in apharmaceutical product or in a product of unverified pharmacologicaleffects.
 17. Use of a product as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 ina food product.
 18. An animal feed, characterized by containing betaineproduct as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 and other feedcomponents.